Beyond the LMS: Performance-based Platforms

The world of work is evolving, and learning needs to adapt. Performance-based platforms offer a flexible, engaging alternative to traditional LMS systems.

The world of work is constantly evolving, and the way we learn needs to evolve with it. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with numerous Learning and Development (L&D) leaders about how technology can be leveraged to improve learning and, ultimately, business performance. A recurring theme emerged – the constant quest to optimize learning strategies on a landscape where a significant portion of learning for employees must take place in the flow of work. Could Performance-based Platforms end this quest?

Rethinking Learning Technology for the Modern Workplace

For many years, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have been the go-to solution for L&D. These centralized platforms offer a one-stop shop for training materials, learner management, and data collection. However, a growing number of L&D leaders are starting to feel a sense of being locked into a system that might be hindering innovation and engagement. Traditionally, employees must log in to the LMS, navigate through menus, and find the relevant courses and learning assets. This disrupts their workflow and might not provide the specific, just-in-time information they need.

Here’s why a growing conversation is sparking around the potential drawbacks of over-reliance on LMS:

• Limited Flexibility: LMS platforms can be rigid and struggle to adapt to the specific needs of each learning journey. The traditional LMS login and navigation process can add an unnecessary hurdle, especially when employees need to access information in the flow of work.
• Engagement Challenges: Traditional LMS content can be static and lack the interactivity needed to capture and hold learner attention. This can lead to disengagement and difficulty retaining knowledge.
• Integration Pain: Often, LMS platforms exist as siloed systems, disconnected from the tools and applications employees use daily. This creates a fragmented learning experience and disrupts the natural flow of work.
• SCORM Standard: A workhorse for e-learning, but updating courses is a pain – one small change requires a whole repackage, potentially erasing learner progress.

Is this the right time for Performance-based Platforms?

Certain L&D leaders are recognizing this need for a shift. A new mindset is emerging, one that embraces more dynamic Performance-based platforms. Such platforms prioritize the learner’s experience by integrating into the daily workflow.

A few key features of Performance-based platforms that have a great potential of being an alternative or complimenting the LMS:

• Responsive Knowledge Management: Having knowledge readily responsive to work-specific needs, employees can complete tasks more effectively, reducing wasted time searching for information.
• Microlearning: Deconstructing learning into easily digestible modules accessible within the flow of work. This allows for learning “at the point of need,” providing a space for employees to upskill and adapt in real-time.
• Adaptive Learning: Leveraging performance-based platforms to create personalized learning paths that are based on individual needs, job roles and skill levels. This ensures employees are challenged appropriately and keeps them engaged in the learning process.
• Social and Collaborative: Creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing, with options for immediate language translation for greater inclusion. This fosters a more collaborative and engaging work environment.
• bitmark ?? makes knowledge accessible Standard: The focus is content-first design, meaning you can create the content once and publish it across various platforms (mobile, tablet, web). Easily reuse existing content and material across different learning assets. Provide individuals with more control over their digital footprint. Modern solutions like Get More Brain live from the exceptional content you can create with bitmark.

Exploring advanced solutions

By exploring solutions beyond the LMS, such as Performance-based platforms, L&D leaders can create a truly engaging and effective learning experience that empowers employees, enhances knowledge retention, and ultimately drives business performance.